Tag Futebol

He has been suspended for nine months after admitting to five breaches of professional conduct regulations

Valkerie Baynes06-Aug-2025An unnamed former county cricket coach has been suspended for nine months after admitting charges of sexual misconduct, including sending sexually explicit photos to two junior female colleagues.The independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) issued the sanction after he admitted to five breaches of professional conduct regulations over incidents in 2023 and 2024, which included attempting to kiss one of the victims in a club changing room.The CDP cited “exceptional circumstances regarding the health of that coach and the serious risk of harm” for not naming him when publishing the report of its disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday.He was sacked as a result of his behaviour and hasn’t been employed in cricket since.The CDP issued the coach a nine-month suspension from cricket. Six months of the sanction were backdated to when he was charged and the remainder was suspended for a period of 12 months because he had accepted responsibility, shown remorse and undergone effective remedial education.He worked with a former professional sportswoman to understand the impact of unsolicited explicit messages, as well as completing courses on sexual harassment and professional boundaries, the CDP said.The tribunal heard evidence that the man “engaged in inappropriate and sexualised messaging” with one of the victims. He stopped when she asked him to but, some days later, sent “a further message of a sexualised and inappropriate nature”.The second victim, who was much younger than the man and had to interact with him as part of her work, also received sexually explicit pictures from him, to which she didn’t respond. Later, he asked her to check the changing rooms for rubbish and, whilst there, he “made an inappropriate attempt to kiss” the victim, who pulled away.In its decision, the CDP stated that although he was not in a formal position of trust with regard to either victim, he was considerably older than both of them and there was “a clear imbalance” between his position at the club and theirs.Chris Haward, managing director of the Cricket Regulator, described the misconduct as unacceptable and praised the “openness and courage of those who reported” it.”Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority for the Cricket Regulator,” Haward said. “We recognise that it takes a lot of courage for those impacted to come forward.”The CDP said that while the man made limited admissions to allegations initially put to him by the Cricket Regulator, it “was clear to the Disciplinary Tribunal that the Respondent was a different person to the one who was initially interviewed”.The panel heard that the man had undergone counselling over many months.”He hoped that now he was emerging as a better person,” the tribunal report said. “He had a greater understanding of workplace boundaries, the misuse of social media and what amounted to sexual harassment.”

We’ll never forget the beautiful offseason chaos that occurred on Dec. 8, 2023.

At the time, the biggest storyline in all of sports was where two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and his adorable puppy Decoy were going to sign in free agency. Ohtani had just wrapped up his sixth season with the Angels and had two MVP award and three All-Star nods to show for it.

There was no question that Ohtani was going to sign the biggest free-agent contract in baseball history—and likely, North American sports history. The question was … where?

As we all know, Ohtani ended up signing a record-breaking 10-year contract with the Dodgers worth $700 million, a contract that included $680 million deferred for a decade. Although Ohtani spending his next 10 years starring at Dodger Stadium seemed like a foregone conclusion that offseason, there were other serious contenders to sign the two-way superstar, including the Blue Jays. In fact, on Dec. 8, 2023, there were inaccurate reports swirling around the internet that Ohtani was on a private flight heading to Toronto—interpreted as an indication he was going to sign with the Blue Jays.

It was debunked an hour or so later, but what a time that was to be online.

Less than two years later, the baseball gods provided us with a storyline almost too good to be true—Ohtani’s Dodgers will attempt to defend their World Series title against the Blue Jays, the team that came oh-so-close to signing the two-way superstar.

Ahead of Game 1 on Friday night, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the flight to Toronto that never was:

Setting the stage: Ohtani’s finalists

As early as the All-Star Game in July 2023, Ohtani’s pending decision dominated the headlines. At the time, Tom Verducci considered the Dodgers the favorites to land Ohtani, followed by—in order—the Padres, Giants, Mariners, Rangers and Mets.

In the months following, the Blue Jays crept their way into the Ohtani sweepstakes and surged past the other contenders. By December, Verducci reported the Blue Jays were one of two serious finalists for Ohtani along with the Dodgers, and the Cubs and Giants were “hanging in there.”

Could the Blue Jays actually pull it off and outspend the Dodgers? Well, uh …

Dec. 8, 2023 at 4:01 p.m. ET: The Report

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi broke the internet.

At 4:01 p.m. ET on Dec. 8, 2023, Morosi reported, citing sources, that Ohtani was “en route” to Toronto and his agent would not comment when asked about his travel plans. Morosi made sure to note that as that flight left the ground, Ohtani had not signed any contract with an MLB team.

Earlier that week, it was reported that Ohtani was touring the Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla. There was also a rumor floating around Toronto media circles that Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi made a Friday night reservation for 50 people at a sushi restaurant near Rogers Centre. Certainly, a private jet flying from Southern California to Toronto reportedly carrying the two-way superstar meant he intended to sign with Toronto. Right?

Dec. 8 at 5:11 p.m. ET: The Rebuttal

Well, not so fast.

’s Bob Nightengale—in perhaps the defining moment of his reporting career—shut it down.

“Shohei Ohtani is NOT in Toronto,” he wrote in an X post published at 5:11 p.m. ET. “Ohtani is NOT on a flight to Toronto. Ohtani is at home in Southern California.”

After Nightengale swatted the rumors of a Toronto flight, other reporters confirmed that, in fact, Ohtani was still in the Los Angeles area and not headed north across the border. Morosi, to his credit, issued a heartfelt apology later that night for getting it wrong.

But here’s the thing: There a private flight in the air traveling from Southern California to Toronto. And it was carrying a celebrity—just not a two-way baseball phenom.

Dec. 8 at 5:54 p.m. ET: Jumping the shark

Robert Herjavec, the Canadian billionaire best known for his role on the hit show , boarded flight N616RH out of John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif., and headed to Toronto on Dec. 8, 2023.

Traveling with his two sons, Herjavec had no idea fans and journalists alike were tracking Flight N616RH through the air. When Herjavec landed in Toronto and was welcomed by a sea of Canadian media, he was beyond confused. He was even asked by a Canadian customs agent whether Ohtani was on the plane.

Just before 6 p.m. ET, a CBC photographer on site at the airport reported that Flight N616RH was carrying Herjavec, not Ohtani.

Later that night, Herjavec himself posted to social media and confirmed the news.

“I’d like to thank the @bluejays organization for signing me today!” Herjavec wrote in an Instagram post. “All joking aside—I’m not @shoheiohtani and he was not on my plane today! Not sure how it all started but I’m calling the jays and seeing if they’ll sign my 5 year old for 600 mil (he WAS on the plane and throws a mean pitch).”

The very next day, Ohtani signed his lucrative contract with the Dodgers. He led Los Angeles to a World Series in his first season with the club, defeating Aaron Judge and the Yankees in five games.

But if Ohtani is going to add a second World Series ring to his trophy case, he’ll have to go through the Blue Jays—the organization that will forever be linked to his free-agent decision.

MatériaMais Notícias

Durante o confronto entre São Paulo e Palmeiras, torcedores criticaram carrinho aplicado por Endrick em Arboleda.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Aos 44 minutos do segundo tempo, o garoto do Verdão correu para interceptar um passe do zagueiro na defesa são-paulina. Porém, ele chegou atrasado e pegou em cheio o defensor do Tricolor.

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➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Nas redes sociais, internautas chamaram atenção para certa recorrência de entradas “acima do tom” de Endrick em adversários, além desta ocasião no clássico entre Palmeiras e São Paulo.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

O próximo jogo do Palmeiras será pela Copa do Brasil, contra o Botafogo-SP, enquanto o São Paulo enfrentará o Água de Marabá. As partidas acontecem na mesma data, quinta-feira (5).

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VEJA REAÇÕES AO LANCE DE ENDRICK SOBRE ARBOLEDA EM SÃO PAULO X PALMEIRAS

Tudo sobre

EndrickPalmeirasSão Paulo

This improving Manchester United side was given more than just a fresh lick of paint over the summer, with the signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, in particular, breathing new life into Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

That said, for all the delight over Mbeumo, following his return of six goals in his first 12 United games, a key problem still needs to be solved – central midfield.

Casemiro, to his credit, has silenced the doubters amid his recent resurgence, although the Brazilian’s inability to last the full 90, alongside the lack of an adequate replacement for him, is becoming a growing problem.

Of the 20 goals conceded across the Premier League and Carabao Cup, 15 of those have come when the 33-year-old was not on the pitch, with Manuel Ugarte’s diminishing status highlighted by reports that he received a dressing down from his former Sporting CP boss at Carrington late last season.

With the more attack-minded Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo the only other senior central midfielders in the first-team ranks, hopes of the Red Devils kicking on surely rest in that department being addressed in 2026 – be it in January or next summer.

Adam Wharton, rising star at Crystal Palace, remains a leading target to fill that void – but is he the only solution?

Latest on Man Utd's interest in Adam Wharton

The frustration surrounding United’s errant recruitment in recent years is perhaps best pinpointed in the case of Wharton, with respected journalist Andy Mitten having revealed that the Old Trafford side were offered the chance to sign the elegant left-footer from Blackburn Rovers, prior to his move to Selhurst Park.

Unfortunately, the powers that be didn’t appear to see the merit in prising a relatively unproven teenage talent from the Championship, with Wharton going on to join Palace for a fee of around £20m in the 2024 winter window.

That investment has paid off handsomely for the Eagles, with the 21-year-old now a central figure in a side that claimed FA Cup glory last term, resulting in claims that the south London club had placed a £100m plus price tag on his head over the summer.

Amid parallel interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, reports in the recent window did suggest that Amorim and INEOS were keen on potentially reviving their prior interest in the England international, although the £250m outlay on their four actual signings likely put paid to that transfer chase.

Now, with January looming, United could go back again for the in-demand talent, with reports last month indicating that they are keen to steal a march on Real Madrid by making a £60m offer for his services.

Wharton, in an interview with The Athletic’s David Ornstein, has addressed such speculation, wisely suggesting that he pays little attention to the rumours:

Whether he actually wants to join or not, a problem still remains with the price tag that Palace could demand. With that in mind, might an in-house solution be the best bet for United’s sake?

Man Utd's answer to Wharton at Carrington

In the darkest of days in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, each manager has found a shining light from the academy set-up, be it Adnan Januzaj under David Moyes, to Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo under Erik ten Hag.

Surprisingly, Amorim – who helped to kickstart the career of 17-year-old Geovany Quenda in Lisbon – has thus far refrained from dipping into the youth ranks too readily, with this season yet to see the new boy wonder emerge.

Chido Obi, for what it’s worth, did make eight appearances last term amid United’s centre-forward injury crisis, although the Danish teenager hasn’t been seen since, with promising full-back Harry Amass also allowed to go out on loan after making his senior debut at the back end of 2024/25.

Tyler Fredricson

vs Wolves

20/04/25

Harry Amass

vs Leicester

16/03/25

Chido Obi

vs Spurs

16/02/25

Toby Collyer

vs Liverpool

01/09/24

Ethan Wheatley

vs Sheff Utd

24/04/24

Omari Forson

vs Wolves

01/02/2024

*in Premier League only

The lack of European involvement has been a factor in Amorim’s decision to overlook the young crop, with little need to rotate his side right now – not least amid this five-game unbeaten run.

Central midfield is one area the Portuguese coach does need to quickly address, however, hence why turning to a figure like Jim Thwaites could prove to be a masterstroke.

Still only 17, the dynamic midfielder is of slight frame and stature, although he has certainly caught the eye at Carrington of late, with recent comparisons even being made to the likes of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

Like Wharton, he isn’t an imposing physical specimen, yet Thwaites makes up for that with his eye-catching technical prowess, with analyst Ben Mattinson – now a scout for Serie A side Como – suggesting that he looks as if he’s “stepped out [of] La Masia”.

La Masia remains the birthplace of the best and brightest that Barcelona has to offer, from Xavi to Gavi, the Catalan outfit certainly know how to cultivate the next midfield star of the future.

Like those at Camp Nou – as well as Wharton – Thwaites has that ability to collect the ball from a deep-lying role in between the centre-backs, before either producing a progressive carry or pass to spring United into life.

Already this season, the rising star has scored twice and provided one assist from his ten U18 Premier League outings, as per Transfermarkt, a respectable haul considering he has operated as a number six in each of those appearances.

The Bolton-born maestro – who is set to turn 18 next month – is certainly not as far along in his development as Wharton, although amid the prospect of having to fork out over £100m for the latter man, INEOS could well do with starting to develop their own future superstars instead.

At a club renowned for its academy work in the past, United need to get things back on track again. Thwaites, while it’s still early days, might be the best place to start.

Not Mainoo: Amorim can replace Casemiro with "Pogba-esque" star at Man Utd

Manchester United could have a wildcard solution to their midfield woes…

ByRobbie Walls Nov 13, 2025

يستضيف فريق برشلونة خصمه ديبورتيفو ألافيس، مساء السبت، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني لذلك الموسم، على ملعب “كامب نو”.

ويحتل برشلونة في الوقت الحالي، المركز الثاني في جدول الدوري الإسباني برصيد 31 نقطة، في حين أن ألافيس يمتلك 15 نقطة ويحتل المركز الرابع عشر.

ويفتقد برشلونة خدمات اللاعب رونالد أراوخو لإصابته بفيروس في المعدة، بينما يغيب فيرمين لوبيز لإصابة عضلية. تشكيل برشلونة المتوقع أمام ألافيس في الدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: خوان جارسيا.

خط الدفاع: جول كوندي، إريك جارسيا، كوبارسي، بالدي.

خط الوسط:  فرينكي دي يونج، مارك كاسادو.

خط الوسط الهجومي: لامين يامال، داني أولمو، ماركوس راشفورد.

خط الهجوم: فيران توريس.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

The Phillies got eliminated by the Dodgers in equally heartbreaking and embarrassing fashion on Thursday night.

In the 11th inning of Game 4 of the NLDS, the score was tied 1-1 and Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering was on the mound with two outs. With the bases loaded, Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages hit a weak ground ball right to Kerkering, who only needed to throw to first base to get the third out and end the inning. But after Kerkering picked up the ball, he lifted his head and immediately threw it to catcher J.T. Realmuto at home plate. The ball sailed over Realmuto, the Dodgers scored a run, and just like that, Philly's 2025 season was over.

Following Kerkering's brutal error, he walked off the field surrounded by his teammates. He was met by manager Rob Thomson at the entrance of the dugout, and the two shared a brief embrace and an emotional moment. Thomson appeared to impart some words of consolation to the reliever before patting Kerkering on the chest and sending him on his way:

Kerkering also received support from his teammates in the dugout as he sat on the bench and looked visibly shaken by what just transpired.

What a truly terrible way for the Phillies to go out, though Kerkering still has plenty reason to keep his head up and move on from this lowlight, as his manager no doubt hopes he will do.

"He just got caught up in the moment a little bit. Coming down the stretch, he pitched so well for us," Thomson said of Kerkering postgame. "I feel for him because he's putting it all on his shoulders. But we win as a team and we lose as a team."

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo edging closer and closer to calling time on generational careers, it can be easy to assume that football won’t ever be the same. But that crisis quickly becomes short-lived after one glance around some of the world’s best teenage sensations.

It is a generation full of absurd talent, so much so that it’s difficult to squeeze them all into a top ten. Arsenal have 15-year-old Max Dowman in their ranks, for example, who has already featured in a number of first-team games.

The most valuable teenage prospects in football ranked (2025)

Some staggering figures…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 7, 2025

The list of young talents is so stacked that Real Madrid star Endrick misses out for the time being, but there’s good reason why Los Blancos spent over £50m to secure his signature at such a young age. Ahead of his potential loan move in January, he remains one to watch alongside other honourable mentions.

Max Dowman

Arsenal

15

Endrick

Real Madrid

19

Geovany Quenda

Sporting CP

18

Assan Ouedraogo

RB Leipzig

19

Lennart Karl

Bayern Munich

17

10 Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool

There’s a reason why Chelsea were left furious by Liverpool’s move to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2024. The tricky winger is one of the best teenage talents around and became one of the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorers when he netted a dramatic winner against Newcastle United earlier on in the campaign.

It was the stuff of dreams for the 17-year-old, who is now waiting in the wings for further opportunities to shine even as Liverpool struggle under Arne Slot.

9 Rodrigo Mora: FC Porto

Portugal have a knack for producing impressive young talent and Rodrigo Mora looks set to be the next in line. The attacking midfielder, who’s still just 18 years old, has scored three goals for Porto so far this season – including in the Europa League.

Like so many before him, the teenager seems destined for greatness and may well become the latest big-money export out of Portugal sooner rather than later.

8 Ayyoub Bouaddi: LOSC Lille

Speaking of stars playing beyond their years, it’s hard to believe that Ayyoub Bouaddi is still 18 years old. The way he controls midfields is a trait that a player his age does not have very often, but he has it in abundance. The midfielder is a mainstay in Lille’s first-team and arguably one of their key men.

The big challenge for the French side will be keeping hold of their young star. It’s a rare day when defensive midfielders of his technical ability and towering 6’1 figure burst onto the scene.

7 Francesco Camarda: AC Milan

Any Football Manager players will already know exactly what Francesco Camarda has to offer. But for those that don’t know, he is one of the best emerging talents in world football. The 17-year-old became AC Milan’s youngest Serie A debutant at 15 and then did the same in the Champions League.

The forward also managed to bag his first Serie A goal in the current campaign in what is likely to be the first of many in the famous AC Milan colours.

6 Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal

Although he’s been unable to break into the Arsenal side with the same regularity as last season in the current campaign, Ethan Nwaneri remains one of the most promising talents around. He put Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side to the sword last season and already looks destined to find a role in Mikel Arteta’s team for years to come.

The Gunners will also be well aware that they needn’t rush the 18-year-old’s development like they were forced to do with Bukayo Saka, when they desperately needed a spark.

5 Franco Mastantuono: Real Madrid

Endrick hasn’t made this list but his Real Madrid teammate, Franco Mastantuono has. The Argentine arrived in Spain over the summer and has since shown plenty of flashes of his brilliance.

Having already scored his first goal in Real Madrid colours, the 18-year-old will now have his eye on avoiding the same fate as Endrick, who has been frozen out by Xabi Alonso. Given that Mastantuono has already started a handful of La Liga games, though, it’s clear that the Spaniard rates him.

4 Warren Zaire-Emery: Paris Saint-Germain

Already a Champions League winner at 19 years old, there’s a reason why Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the most highly-rated young talents around. It takes quite the player to break into Luis Enrique’s side these days, but the teenager has done just that on the biggest stages.

In a team which already includes Joao Neves, Vitinha and others, the central midfielder looks destined to become one of PSG’s top stars over the next decade.

3 Pau Cubarsi: Barcelona

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Pau Cubarsi is the senior centre-back in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side, especially after Ronald Araujo’s reckless red card against Chelsea. The 18-year-old plays with a maturity far beyond his years and has handed those in Spain a key defensive mainstay.

Whilst it’s often attacking stars who steal the headlines fresh from La Masia, Cubarsi is proving that the famous academy is also capable of producing top quality defenders.

2 Estevao Willian: Chelsea

The rest of European football must be scratching their heads, wondering how exactly Chelsea snuck in to win Estevao Willian’s signature. The Blues quietly landed a generational talent, who is already producing on the world stage.

He looked a star ready for the headlines against Barcelona in the Champions League, despite being just 18-years-old. The Brazilian has quickly become one of the fan favourites at Stamford Bridge, and rightly so.

1 Lamine Yamal: Barcelona

Estevao may have stolen the show at Stamford Bridge, but Lamine Yamal remains the best teenager in world football and one of the best players in the world, for that matter.

The Barcelona man is an early contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and if it’s not next year, then it will certainly be in years to come that he sits on football’s throne. At 18 years old, Barcelona have unlocked yet another generational talent.

The best 15 wingers in world football ranked (2025)

Bangladesh and West Indies are the favourites, but if Pakistan raise their game at home, the calculations could change

Firdose Moonda08-Apr-2025The last stretch of the road to India begins in Pakistan, where six teams will compete for two spots at the Women’s ODI World Cup later this year over the next few days.All 15 matches will be held in Lahore, between the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground, which will host women’s internationals for the first time. Lahore was chosen as it will not have any PSL games taking place there for the duration of this event, and yes, that means the tournament clashes with not one but two of the biggest men’s franchise competitions (the IPL and the PSL). If that means there’s too much cricket to keep an eye on, we’ve got the cheat sheet to keep you covered.To recap: six teams – hosts India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka – have already confirmed their places at the World Cup by virtue of their positions on the Women’s Championship table played between 2022 and 2025. The four other teams in that competition – Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan and West Indies – will play in the qualifier, along with the two next highest teams on the ODI rankings at the cut-off date of October 28, 2024. Those two teams are Scotland and Thailand, who finished 11th and 12th.The tournament takes the format of a league, in which each team will play the other five and the top two will qualify for the World Cup. Unlike the men’s ODI World Cup qualifiers, there is no final, which is without any context in any case.Bangladesh enter the event as the most improved women’s side over the Women’s Championship cycle•Getty Images

Bangladesh and West Indies start as favourites

After a maiden ODI World Cup appearance in 2022, Bangladesh missed out on automatic qualification by the narrowest of margins. They finished on the same number of points as New Zealand but with a lower net run-rate and one fewer win, which pushed them into the qualifier. Their captain Nigar Sultana previously told ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast that she hoped to avoid the tension and pressure of a qualifier through more consistent performances, but two series wins out of eight, over Ireland and Pakistan, were not enough to do that.Still, Bangladesh enter the event as the most improved women’s side over the cycle with a particularly strong and varied bowling attack. Among them is the fifth-highest wicket-taker of the women’s championship overall: left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who could be the player to watch in Pakistan. With a left-arm seamer in Fariha Trishna, right-arm seamer Marufa Akter, and three legspinners – Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan – Bangladesh will be difficult for most line-ups to negotiate. And given their quality, they would be disappointed if they don’t secure one of the two spots.The same could be said for West Indies, who were semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup but have found themselves in the qualifiers now. In their women’s championship campaign, they only beat their opponents who are at the qualifiers – Bangladesh, Ireland and Pakistan – which may bode well for them for this event but is also an indication of the gap between them and the top sides.Another concern is how overly reliant West Indies have become on one player: their captain Hayley Matthews. She finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer and ninth-highest wicket-taker in the women’s championship, where West Indies ended eighth, and she needs some support for West Indies to go further. On paper, West Indies have the personnel. Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharak and Chinelle Henry all provide experience, while Zaida James, Janillia Glasgow, Mandy Mangru and Ashmini Munisar make up the younger crop. If they all click, West Indies should be shoo-ins for India, and anything less is likely to prompt severe introspection.On Fatima Sana’s young shoulders rests Pakistan’s hopes now•Getty Images

The curious case of Pakistan

As hosts, Pakistan should be able to take advantage of familiar conditions to push for a World Cup spot, but recent form doesn’t inspire confidence. They have not won an ODI since November 2023, and have since had a change in captaincy from the experienced Nida Dar to the potential of young Fatima Sana. At just 23, Sana is also their premier allrounder and, like Matthews, she needs others to stand up.Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza and Aliya Riaz are key with the bat, while Diana Baig’s return from injury bolsters the seam department. Pakistan have a solid spin contingent in left-armers Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, and could challenge Bangladesh and West Indies for a World Cup place. They have already beaten one of them, West Indies, by five wickets, in a warm-up game on Monday.Should Pakistan qualify, it will complicate the World Cup schedule. After India and Pakistan agreed a hybrid structure for all ICC events starting with the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s matches must be played outside India, who have announced five host cities for the event. It is likely Pakistan’s games will be in either Sri Lanka or the UAE.

Can Ireland redeem themselves?

Ireland have not qualified for an ODI World Cup since 2005, which is too long ago to make much material difference, but they do have recent World Cup pedigree. They have appeared at four T20 tournaments, most recently at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa, but missed out on the 2024 edition after a shock defeat to Scotland in the qualifier.

Should either of them make it to the World Cup, expect questions to be raised about their inclusion in future editions of the FTP

Unlike Scotland, Ireland are part of the FTP, and would consider themselves Europe’s second-best side (after England) and have the results to show for that. Since the last World Cup, Ireland have played 11 series and won four – against Netherlands, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, – which suggests the quality is there. The question facing them is whether they have the ability to turn over the bigger sides consistently enough to start making regular World Cup appearances, and they would hope to start here.

Scotland, Thailand aim to be first-timers

Neither Scotland nor Thailand are part of the women’s FTP or championship, neither have been to an ODI World Cup, and both have little experience in the format. Scotland have played 17 official ODIs, and Thailand nine. But they could be the Cinderella story of the qualifiers.Scotland have some experience of what it takes to get to a global tournament after beating Ireland to qualify for the T20 World Cup, where they were thoroughly outplayed but won hearts. They will have Ireland in their sights again after beating them in an ODI 2023. Thailand, too, have World Cup experience. They were at the 2020 T20 World Cup and have 11 players from that tournament in this squad. Should either of them make it to the World Cup, expect questions to be raised about their inclusion in future editions of the FTP.

Álvaro Fidalgo’s chances of representing Mexico appear closer than ever, as Javier Aguirre confirmed he intends to call up the América midfielder once he becomes eligible in March 2026. The Spanish-born playmaker, who has spent nearly five years in Liga MX, is on track to join Mexico’s growing group of naturalized players.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fidalgo will be considered

  Fidalgo’s path to the Mexican national team is taking shape. After months of speculation, Aguirre confirmed that he plans to consider the América midfielder for future call-ups, starting with the March 2026 FIFA window, when the player officially becomes eligible.

  “If he’s legally Mexican and meets all the requirements, I have no reason to close the door on him – or anyone else,” Aguirre told , referring to the 28-year-old Spaniard’s pending eligibility status.

  Fidalgo has been a cornerstone of Club América’s recent dominance under manager André Jardine, helping the club lift multiple titles and earn a reputation as one of Liga MX’s most technically gifted midfielders. His performances have caught the attention of the Mexican federation, which views him as a potential addition ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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  Becomes eligible after five years in Mexico

  Aguirre compared Fidalgo’s situation to players who earned late World Cup call-ups in previous tournaments. 

  “In every World Cup cycle, there’s always someone who rises at the end. If he’s playing well, has the talent, and is Mexican-then he’s in,” the coach said.

  If selected, Fidalgo would join Germán Berterame and Julián Quiñones as the naturalized players currently integrated into Mexico’s national team setup. However, competition for a midfield spot will be fierce, with Edson Álvarez, Erik Lira, Orbelín Pineda, Érick Sánchez, Fidel Ambriz, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, and Marcel Ruiz also in contention.

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  Could debut when Mexico reopen Estadio Azteca

  TUDN indicates that Fidalgo will be called to train with in January during a minicamp in Central America, before potentially making his official debut in March, when Mexico will reopen the Estadio Azteca in a friendly against Portugal.

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  Fellow players welcome his addition

  Several national team players have already voiced support for Fidalgo's inclusion. 

  “Competing with great players like Fidalgo helps us all grow,” said Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, while Fidel Ambriz added, “If he comes to contribute, he’ll be one more Mexican in the team.”

India and Sri Lanka are set to play a five-match T20I series in the second half of December in India, just before the start of the WPL in January 2026. The series will be played from December 21 to 30, with the first two games in Visakhapatnam and the last three in Thiruvananthapuram.The WPL will then start from January 9 in Navi Mumbai before moving to Vadodara for the second half, even though no Sri Lanka player is in any of the five WPL squads.The schedule of this bilateral series comes soon after the white-ball series between India and Bangladesh that was to happen in India in December got postponed earlier this month. That series was to feature three ODIs and three T20Is.The five T20Is between India and Sri Lanka will act as preparation for the T20 World Cup next year that will be played from June 12 in England. The last time the two teams had met in any format was at the ODI World Cup opener on September 30, while the previous T20I between them had come at the T20 World Cup in October 2024.India’s next series after the WPL will be an all-format tour of Australia in February-March.